The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-02-22
Inspection of State In stitutions.

90 the Editor Of the Indianapolis journal:
In view of the recent developments of abuses
connected with the management of public insti-
buttons. is it not time that we organized, under
authority of law board of inspectors of all of
theml The Legislature meets but once in two
years and holds but brief session, and can
make but hastv investigation Why not have
body of intelligent, upright and benevolent
people constantly auth orized to inspect our
prisons, asylums and other institutions support
I'D by the STATED / believe that with proper in
spection n better system would be developed in
each Of them. and that the blunders, defalca-
tons. outrages and crimes that have occurred
might have been prevented or discovered in
their inception.
Some years ago prepared a bill providing for
board. to consist of fifty members, to inspect
these institutions, this board to be divided into
sections. giving each section the duty of exam
ming and reporting upon single institution In
any year and assigning this duty to different
sections each succeeding year, thus enabling the
whole board to get view of the whole ground,
as far possible; the members to serve without
pay, except for expenses. This would secure
honesty and independence OF action; would pre-
vent any collision between inspectors and trust
ses officers, and would enable the public to
know thoroughly the working of all the institu-
TONS
large board. it would seem. would be better
than a small ope for the daty would be too on
erous for a small board to discharge fully with
out pay other than expenses.
The different sectonscolld report to the board
at seml-annual sessions. and thus have the judg
ment Of the whole body upon any measures of
correction or reform. And this general board
:ould report to the Legislature the condition of
all the institutions
1t would not require more than a months duty
each year for the sections to do their special
work, and perhaps from one to two weeks would
be all that would be required in general sessions
This would put such service within the reach
of persons of ordinary means who are benevo-
lently inclined, whereas if only small board
had the duty to do. it would be confined exclu-
sively to the very wealthy, who alone could giva
eli of their sine to the State.
think better service can be obtained in this
matter from those who would serve without
pay. except expenses, than from those who
might serve for a salary. or from those who are
very wealthy. ] am afraid of small board
No one will deny the importance of thorough
and constant inspection Of all of the State insti
tutions. And In the interest OF economy, fair
dealing, decency, justice and benevolence, this
seems to be an excellent time to adopt system
that will prevent abuses. correct errors, uncover
violations of the law strike down offenders and
protect the wards and benifciaries of the State
of all classes.
The people Of Indiana have invested million.
of dollars in buildings erected for noble purposes
for education, for charity, for protection, 70,
correction and for punishment A small army
of officers and employees is paid to render servc'
IL them; but that which gives vitality, efficiency
and vigor to the army is lacking. and that is in
spection. Shall we not have III And have thu
pest materials JOHN CoBURN
INDIANAPOLIS. Feb 20.